Unconscious Nobility: The Animal Poetry of Harold Farmer

Abstract

“Isn't it possible for two human beings to inspire and comfort each other simply by being together?” He wanted that; otherwise the outlook was hopeless.
“I dunno what you mean,” she said. “If you don't know what the other person thinks, it's like a couple of animals.” She walked looking down. “For that matter,” she added somewhat gloomily, “it's still like animals when you know what the other person thinks.” She had left off her make-up for the afternoon, and was wearing a cotton frock, inside which her easy-going figure was given full play. She had, for the moment, something of the unconscious nobility of some animals, moving intently on felted pads. (1970, 205).

English in Africa Vol. 34 (2) 2007: pp. 79-92